pontotoc warriorS men’S BaSketBall

PONTOTOC CITY

2022-2023 warriorS men’S BaSketBall

2022-2023 pontotoc warriorS BaSketBall team

The 2022-2023 Pontotoc Warriors basketball team includes (front row, l-r) Gary Clements, DeTony Hall, Jamaree McKay, Gavin Houser, Markylan Boston, Martylan Boston, (middle row) Andrew Johnson, Kylen Simmons, Bobby Tackett, Mackinly Brown, Dawson Rice, Emarion Hinton, (back row) Coach Gary Dixon, Jack Sansing, Tyler Shephard, Rhett Robinson, Adin Johnson, Zane Tipler, Coach Rolley Tipler.

Photo by Trent’s Portrait Studio

WARRIORS WILL BE “DELIBERATE” IN 2022 CAMPAIGN

Galen Holley

Sports Editor

The Pontotoc Warriors continue to develop into a perennial 4A powerhouse, and as Coach Rolley Tipler enters his fifth season at the helm, he’ll count on four seniors to use their athleticism and experience to lead the way.

Point guard Zane Tipler, along with Tyler Shephard, Jack Sansing, and Rhett Robinson will be looked to to provide leadership in the 2022 campaign.

“We’re going to play fast, with a good basketball IQ, and we’re going to try and make sure that we do the small things right,” said Tipler, adding that he’d seen his players develop good chemistry over the summer, as well as growing in their individual skills.

“We have worked on our team mentality, and we make it a point to bring parents to doorsteps,” said Tipler, meaning that he and his staff aggressively promoted his players, accompanied by their families, to junior college programs as they traveled for off-season summer competition.

Doing the little things well includes taking hard charges to defend the lane, and playing good fundamental basketball.

“We want to run good, athletic sets, and give a lot of help on defensive sets,” said Tipler.

The most athletic guy on the court might be Tyler Shephard.

“He can play positions one through five, and do well at them all,” said Tipler. “His first step is tremendous, and he’s added the 3-ball to his repertoire, so, coupled with his athleticism, his range has improved so he’s an outstanding player.”

The coach’ son, Zane, has been a team leader for years. “He’s a strong, confident, unselfish role-player,” said Tipler. “He brings his faith to the locker room, and affirms his teammates. He’s a shooter, with great court vision, and he’s not afraid to sacrifice his body for his team.”

Robinson is a rangy, smart player who imposes a court presence bigger than his 6”1 frame, Tipler said.

“He’s taken some bruises, and he’s always played hard for us, so we’ll expect him to make an impact this season,” said Tipler.

Sansing is a Steve Kerr-type perimeter shooter, and his ability to extend the defensive, and to make crisp passes adds a unique dimension to the Warriors’ offense, Tipler said.

A new addition to this year’s roster will be transfer Aiden Johnson. He’s from Ingomar, a program that has become synonymous with basketball excellence.

“He’s a scoring threat, and he’s very capable of putting up 30 a game,” said Tipler.

The Warriors’ mentality might be summed up by one word this season, Tipler said, a word that they’ve used consistently in practice and have preached in the locker room.

“We’re going to be deliberate,” said Tipler. “We might not pass the eye test, because we’re not going to look big, but our players have practiced hard, and they’re going to have a different, deliberate walk this season.”

2022-2023 pontotoc warriorS BaSketBall Schedule

NOVEMBER 26 Florence

DECEMBER 6 New Albany *

DECEMBER 13 @ Ripley *

DECEMBER 16

Houston *

DECEMBER 20

@ New Hope

JANUARY 3 Holly Springs

JANUARY 7 Jackson Academy

JANUARY 10

@ New Albany *

JANUARY 13

Ripley *

JANUARY 17 South Pontotoc *

JANUARY 20 North Pontotoc *

JANUARY 24

@ Houston *

JANUARY 27

@ Holly Springs

FEBRUARY 2 Olive Branch

FEBRUARY 3 Olive Branch

* Division Games